Pay de Queso, or Mexican Cheesecake, is a beloved dessert commonly found in bakeries across Mexico. Traditionally made with queso fresco or panela cheese, this cheesecake has a unique, slightly salty flavor balanced by sweetened condensed milk. It's perfect served plain or topped with fresh strawberries, jelly, or dulce de leche.
Ingredients
For the crust:
🌾 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
🧈 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
🛢️ 5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
🍬 ¾ cup sugar
🥚 2 eggs
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
🧀 20 oz (550 g) queso fresco
🥚 5 eggs
🥛 1 can evaporated milk
🥛 2 cans media crema
🍶 1 can sweetened condensed milk
🍋 1 teaspoon lime juice
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
• Large mixing bowls
• Blender
• Rolling pin
• Glass, metal, or ceramic pie pans
• Oven
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Calories & Macros (per serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
• Calories: 300
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 16g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
o In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
o Cut the butter and vegetable shortening into the dry ingredients, mixing until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
o Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
o Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about ½ centimeter thickness.
o Place the rolled dough over the pie pans, ensuring no air pockets form between the crust and the pan. Press lightly and trim excess dough, leaving a small border. Pinch the edges for decoration.
2. Prepare the Filling
o Blend the queso fresco, eggs, evaporated milk, media crema, condensed milk, lime juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. If your blender is small, work in batches and mix everything in a large bowl.
3. Assemble the Pies
o Pour the filling evenly into the prepared crusts.
4. Bake
o Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
o Bake the pies for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve
o Let the pies cool to room temperature before slicing.
o Serve plain or topped with fresh strawberries, jelly, or dulce de leche.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Variations: Substitute queso fresco with cream cheese for a creamier, less traditional version.
• Serving Suggestions: Top with fruit preserves, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy your Pay de Queso—a delicious taste of Mexican tradition! 🧀🍰🍓